While recycling your bicycle helmet is ideally the best option for one that is damaged or old and worn, the process of properly disposing of a bicycle helmet can be tricky. Like many recyclable items, bicycle helmets are constructed with multiple parts, some of which may or may not be recyclable in your area. To help reduce your carbon footprint and limit the danger of someone reusing a damaged helmet, it is important to dispose of your bicycle helmet properly.
Step 1
Search the bicycle helmet for any damages or defects. If you do not locate any cracks, tears or dents in the helmet, or if the helmet is less than 5 years old, you may be able to simply give it to another user. Contact your local Goodwill, Salvation Army or used bicycle shop and ask whether or not they will accept your helmet.
Step 2
Place a length of tape on the outside of the helmet and write in bold letters the word "USED" before donating the helmet to inform the future wearer of possible weakness in the helmet from use.
Step 3
Consult the helmet manufacturer's literature that came with the helmet to determine if the plastic components are recyclable. If no literature is available, put on a pair of safety goggles and separate the parts of your helmet by beating the outer shell with a hammer. Remove the plastic section see if you can locate a "PET" label--this is a recyclable plastic. More expensive helmets are made with stronger plastics such as polycarbonate or ABS, which are not recyclable in most locations.
Step 4
Remove the foam from the helmet for reuse in place of foam rubber in applications throughout your home. Cut the foam with a pair of scissors or knife. You can reuse it as: a sponge, pot holder, knee pad or insulation for transporting glass items. For foam disposal, visit the Alliance of Foam Packaging Recyclers website to find find a recycling center near you.
Step 5
Recycle the plastic outer shell by visiting a recycling center in your area and placing the materials in the properly labeled bin.
Tips and Warnings
- While recycling a used bicycle helmet is always a viable option, reusing the materials is even more ecologically sound. Get creative with your bicycle helmet and consider utilizing it as: a plant pot, towel holder or outdoor decoration.
Things You'll Need
- Hammer
- Safety goggles
- Scissors or knife
- Tape
- Marker
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